We save all our plastic bags from Wal Mart or wherever like you wouldn't believe. And the only thing we seem to use them for is as garbage bags in the bathrooms or Trick-or-Treating on Halloween. I want to do something fun with them. Any ideas, my friends? Thanks!

I have had an ongoing, downhill slide in my search for easily recycling plastic bags. I started by putting 5 or 6 inside each other, overcasting the edges with yarn and a giant needle, and then ironing them. It takes 4 times to get all four sides. I found that it worked just as well to take the six bags overcast but not iron them. They hold more and seem to work as well. I have also started crocheting a chain on each side of the middle so that you can tie in the middle, then pick up the handles and they are closed.http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e88/ambercrafts/recycle%20repurpose/?action=view&current=005.jpgThe bags in the picture were ironed, but it gives an idea of what I am talking about. I originally made them to take to the grocery store, but I have yet to do that. I use them for everything else. Obviously for carrying and sorting books. They are great for individual crafts projects. Also very handy because they are water-proof. I have gotten as far as putting some in the car to use when I go to the store. Now all I have to do is remember to take them IN.

I just used some the other day to fill a stuffed toy-- no fiberfill- so I improvised. I used one bag to line the item then stuffed it til firm with the other bags then tied the lining bag with a knot. I thought that this way it the toy became wet the water wouldn't go into a bunch of nooks and crannies and never really dry and possibly mold and stuff- so I think that the one bag stuffed full of a bunch of other bags should dry off easier it should end up getting wet somehow. It actually stuffed really nicely and I was very pleased. I think I'll be using this FREE method more often

Oh, the neverending search for things to do with plastic bags. I love fusing them; it makes a really neat paper/fabric thing. I'm thinking of using fused white bags as pages for a notebook. I usually use only two or three layers fused together but I might try using more layers and see if I can make some coasters and things.

I recently found this article with a bunch of different things to make out of plastic bags.

Also, crocheting with plastic bags is definitely possible - in fact, here's a great site with some tutorials and patterns. It also has some ideas for fusing, it looks like.

Wow! That melting is amazing! And do you think that the knitting suggestion would also work for crochet? Knitting takes too much attention, LOL. <3

If you're into crocheting, you can create plarn (plastic bag yarn) by cutting the bags into strips and off crocheting you can go. I've made tote bags, purses, dish scrubbies, water bottle holders, hats, rugs, and other useful stuff from recycled plastic bags. If you are looking for free patterns or ideas, you can check out my blog site listed in my signature. Best wishes and I hope you try crocheting with your bags.